Prime Highlights:
- The UAE is expanding its nationwide genetic programmes for newborns, adults, and couples to boost preventive healthcare and personalized medicine.
- The “UAE Genome Dialogue” workshops aim to strengthen collaboration between healthcare regulators, partners, and researchers to advance the National Genome Strategy.
Key Facts:
- The Pre-Marital Genetic Screening Program has tested 8,987 couples for 570 genes linked to over 840 genetic disorders since its launch.
- Newborns are screened for 733 genes linked to over 800 conditions, while adults can be tested for 94 genes, and fertility-related screening covers 186 genes associated with more than 130 hereditary conditions.
Key Background:
The UAE is taking a major step forward in precision medicine with the expansion of its nationwide genetic programmes, targeting newborns, adults, and couples. These programs, led by the UAE Genomics Council, will ensure that preventive healthcare becomes more powerful and offer individualized solutions to hereditary and chronic diseases.
Since the launch of the Comprehensive Pre-Marital Genetic Screening Program on January 1 last year, nearly 9,000 couples have benefited from testing. The programme examines 570 genes linked to over 840 genetic disorders, offering personalized genetic counselling to couples identified at potential risk. This helps couples make informed decisions about starting a family, marking an important step in preventive healthcare.
To continue improving the programme, the Council launched the “UAE Genome Dialogue” workshop series to encourage cooperation between healthcare regulators, partners, and researchers. The first workshop, held at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, reviewed the successes and challenges of the pre-marital screening programme and discussed plans for the future.
Besides pre-marital testing, the UAE Genome Programme screens newborns for 733 genes linked to over 800 conditions to catch and treat diseases early. Adults can also be tested for 94 genes to spot hereditary conditions and take action sooner. Couples planning for children can access fertility-related screening, covering 186 genes connected to more than 130 hereditary conditions, along with personalized medical advice and treatment options.
The programme is in line with the UAE National Genome Strategy that seeks to gather and study one million genetic samples of Emiratis, establishing a complex healthcare ecosystem.
The UAE Genomics Council said these programmes not only improve preventive healthcare but also support research, make healthcare more efficient, and benefit the community. Such efforts are making the UAE the leader in genomics and precision medicine, which will enable future generations to be healthier and receive better health care.
